4 of Our Favorite Exotic Italian Beaches


Home just called: it wishes we were there.

Italy’s crystal blue waters, white sands and sun-drenched shores are calling. Take a peek at four of our favorite 2019 beach destinations.

Marasusa

Marasusa Beach is located in the town of Tropea, regarded widely as the jewel of Calabria and christened “La Costa degli Dei”—the Coast of the Gods. It’s easy to see why the gods would approve: Marasusa boasts scenic cliffs, pristine white sands, and calm, clear aquamarine waters. (Source: Conde Nast Traveler — 12 Best Beaches in Italy)

Marina Grande Beach, Positano

As if the views of deep greenish-blue seas weren’t enough, the stacks of pastel houses hugging the cliffs make Positano’s main beach feel like something plucked from a midcentury postcard. With over 300 yards of dark sand—large swathes of it dedicated to tidily arranged rows of beach umbrellas and lounge chairs in Technicolor shades of orange and blue—this spot always feels open and roomy in spite of summer crowds. Start in town with a leisurely outdoor lunch overlooking the Mediterranean, then sleep off the limoncello buzz with a snooze on the sand. (Source: Travel + Leisure — Italy’s Best Beaches)

Lampedusa

The island of Lampedusa is the southernmost part of Italy and the largest of the Italian Pelagie islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Though the island belongs to Italy, it is actually closer to Africa, just 70 miles from Tunisia. The ancient Greeks, Romans, Phoenicians, and Arabs used the island as a maritime base long ago. On the south coast, Rabbit Beach is a nature reserve where visitors can swim with tropical fish and dolphins in crystal clear water. (Source: Fodor’s Travel Guides — 20 Gorgeous Seaside Towns in Italy)

Puglia

Some of the best beaches in mainland Italy are in Puglia – particularly in a string of pristine sandy strands south of the historic towns of Avetrana and Manduria, the latter famous for its Primitivo wine. For white sand, translucent water and informal beach-shack lunches, head for the seaside villages of Punta Prosciutto (“Ham Point”) or Torre Colimena. The scene is molto informale, with families from Lecce, Taranto or Bari coming down for the day and either draping their beach mats on the sand or renting a sunlounger under an ombrellone. The nearby town of Porto Cesareo has the best selection of hotels, but it’s also worth looking at agriturismi or country hotels just inland – like the very chic Masseria Potenti. (Source: The Telegraph — The Top 10 Beach Holidays in Italy for 2017)

 

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